The melanocortin system, which includes alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and its endogenous antagonist, agouti-related protein (AgRP), is fundamental for the central control of energy homeostasis in mammals. Recent studies have demonstrated that many neuropeptides involved in the control of ingestive behavior and energy expenditure, including melanocortins, are also expressed and functional in teleost fishes. To test the hypothesis that the underlying neural pathways involved in… CONTINUE READING